Southwest Chicken Soup Recipe

Southwest Chicken Soup is a savory soup that combines chicken with a variety of vegetables and spices common in Southwestern cuisine. The base often includes ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, all simmered in chicken broth. Common seasonings include chili powder, cumin, and paprika, giving the soup its signature Southwest flair. Often, the soup includes black beans and corn for added texture and flavor.

Making Southwest Chicken Soup typically takes around 45 minutes from start to finish. Preparation time usually takes about 10-15 minutes, with another 30 minutes for simmering the soup, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together. This makes it an ideal meal for busy nights or meal prepping for the week.

When preparing Southwest Chicken Soup, it’s easy to adjust the level of spiciness based on personal preferences. Some people prefer to add extra heat by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper, while others may prefer a milder flavor by reducing it. The versatility of the recipe allows for substitutions like adding extra veggies or using different types of beans. Each batch can be a unique variation, ensuring everyone gets a taste they enjoy.

Why You’ll Love It Southwest Chicken Soup

• Deliciously Flavorful: Southwest Chicken Soup brings bold flavors with a perfect blend of spices. The zesty seasoning and hearty ingredients make each spoonful burst with taste.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with lean chicken, beans, and vegetables, this soup is both healthy and satisfying. It provides essential nutrients, making it an ideal meal for any time of the day.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and a short prep time, Southwest Chicken Soup is a quick and convenient meal. You can enjoy it in no time, making it perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends.

Ingredient Notes for a Southwest Chicken Soup

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this soup, offering lean protein and a mild flavor that absorbs the spices well.
• Onion: Adds a savory base to the soup, giving it depth and richness.
• Bell Pepper: Choose red, yellow, or green bell peppers for a hint of sweetness and a pop of color.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a bold, aromatic flavor that enhances the soup’s overall taste.
• Carrots: Sliced carrots add a touch of sweetness and a crunchy texture.
• Black Beans: These beans contribute a creamy texture and earthy flavor while boosting the soup’s protein content.
• Corn Kernels: Use fresh or frozen corn for a burst of sweetness and texture.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add acidity, balancing the soup’s richness and helping to create a flavorful broth.
• Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, providing a savory, comforting flavor. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
• Chili Powder: This spice mix provides a warm, smoky flavor and a mild heat to the soup.
• Cumin: Adds a deep, earthy flavor that pairs well with the chili powder and other spices.
• Paprika: Mildly sweet and smoky, paprika complements the cumin and chili powder.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the soup, adjust to taste for your desired level of heat.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together, enhancing the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, adding richness and helping to bring out the flavors.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy note to the soup, brightening up the deep flavors.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime at the end brings a tangy, refreshing finish to the soup.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch

Southwest chicken soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with rich spices and vegetables. When preparing this soup, remember to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Adding a mix of peppers, onions, and tomatoes will enhance the flavor profile and create a satisfying meal.

Don’t be afraid to customize your soup to match your preferences. Adding beans, corn, or even a squeeze of lime can elevate the taste. Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili powder depending on your heat tolerance. It’s all about finding your perfect balance.

For a creamy twist, you can stir in a bit of sour cream or cheese at the end of cooking. This will add richness and smoothness to your soup. Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for extra texture and a burst of freshness.

Southwest Chicken Soup Variation

To mix things up, consider these variations of Southwest Chicken Soup:

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to bring an extra kick to the soup.
• Creamy Southwest Chicken Soup: Stir in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half toward the end of cooking for a rich, creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Southwest Soup: Replace the chicken with more beans, such as pinto or kidney beans, for a satisfying vegetarian option.
• Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup: Top your soup with crispy tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor.

Experiment with different variations to find the one that fits your taste!

How to Serve Southwest Chicken Soup

Southwest Chicken Soup is versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:

• As a main dish: Serve a generous bowl of soup with some crusty bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Topped with extras: Garnish the soup with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
• With rice: You can also serve this soup over a bed of rice for a filling meal.

Southwest Chicken Soup can be customized to your preferences, making it an easy and enjoyable meal.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, Southwest Chicken Soup can be stored for later use. Here’s how:

• In the fridge: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• In the freezer: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat it thoroughly.

FAQs About Southwest Chicken Soup

Is Southwest Chicken Soup healthy?
Yes, it can be a healthy option, as it’s packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber from beans, and vitamins from vegetables. You can make it even healthier by using low-sodium broth and lean cuts of chicken.

Can I make Southwest Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Southwest Chicken Soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.

Is Southwest Chicken Soup spicy?
It can be spicy depending on how much chili powder or jalapeños you add to the recipe. If you prefer a milder soup, you can adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Can I freeze Southwest Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Southwest Chicken Soup. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container, and it will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Southwest Chicken Soup Recipe

Southwest Chicken Soup is a savory soup that combineschicken with a variety of vegetables and spices common in Southwestern cuisine.The base often includes ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes,all simmered in chicken broth. Common seasonings include chili powder, cumin,and paprika, giving the soup its signature Southwest flair. Often, the soupincludes black beans and corn for added texture and flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Southwest

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 chicken breasts or 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 bell pepper diced (green or red)
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 medium carrots diced
• 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 15 oz corn kernels, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, with juice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for desired spice level
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Fresh cilantro chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wedges optional, for serving

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Knife and Cutting Board
• easuring spoons and cups
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Can Opener
• Colander

Method

 

1. Cook the chicken (if using fresh): In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until they’re golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side). Once cooked, set aside to cool, then shred the chicken into small pieces using two forks.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, carrots, and garlic over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
3. Add the spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let the spices cook for 1-2 minutes to bring out their flavors.
4. Add the liquids and beans: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.
6. Shred the chicken (if you haven’t already): While the soup is simmering, finish shredding your chicken. Add it to the pot after the soup has simmered.
7. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

This Southwest Chicken Soup is a great dish for meal prepping and can be easily stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. I cooked it with fresh chicken breasts, but rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy nights or gatherings.